Journeys of a quilter in art, dyeing, and handquilting.

Dye Transfer – Silk Ties

Margaret and I were inspired to try the dye transfer technique, featured in the October/November Quilting Arts Magazine. For the last month, Margaret has been visiting thrift stores looking for 100% silk men’s ties, in colorful and interesting patterns. This afternoon, we met to give it a try.

First – lay out the silk scarves in an interesting pattern.

White silk scarves are layed down on top of muslin, then silk ties placed on top.

Fill up half the scarf with silk ties, then fold scarf over. Because the ties are two sided, the scarf will be dyed from both sides.

Working in a sunny kitchen, Margaret and I happily snipped and cut, arranging our silk ties in fun patterns.

When scarf is full, roll up inside muslin into a tight bundle. Tie with string.

Rinse with cold water, and open up to reveal pattern. It is almost as good as Christmas morning opening gifts. You never know what color will transfer. For example, a black patterned tie transferred as a beautiful green. The scarves fairly shimmered in the sunlight.

Finished scarves - only one more step of heat setting the dye with the iron.

Great question! I’m not a chemist, so I could be wrong, but I believe from reading the article on how to do it that . . . the vinegar and boiling help transfer the ink/dye to the other “blank” scarf, and then after rinsing and drying, the article instructed to heat set with the iron. I think that is what fixes the colors. Not sure why though! I hope you give it a try, it is super fast and easy, and the results are pleasantly surprising!